Sandee, Richard Dick Sandee, Grand Rapids, age 64, passed away into the arms of Christ after a gloves-off, well fought bout with cancer, on Monday, January 25th, 2016. He is preceded in death by father and mother, Ernest and Lola Sandee, his brother Charles Sandee, and his father-in-law, Jack Fettig. His joy was found in the five loves of his life, his beautiful grandchildren, Braxton, Brogan, Declan, Rylan and Cadigan; they were his whole world. He is survived by his loving children Brent (Lisa) Sandee, Cliff (Rebecca) Sandee, and daughter Kayla (Lanse) Spica. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas (Cho) Sandee, Dan (Lonni) Sandee, mother-in-law, Beth Fettig, sister-in-law, Karla Fettig, brother-in-law, Kim (Rhonda) Fettig, sister-in-law Jackie (William) Cross, and nieces, nephews, and family members who held a special place in his heart. Dick also leaves behind his best friend of over 50 years Tom (Julie) Eastman, a family of individuals at Alliance Beverage who he worked alongside for over 25 years, and many other individuals who would tell you they were privileged to call Dick their friend. Finally, Dick leaves behind Marta, his wife, true love, and soulmate for 45 years. He was a tough man with a tender heart. He began coaching high school football at Grand Rapids Union soon after his own high school graduation, but stepped away from high school sports to serve his country during the Vietnam era. He returned to coaching when his children started school coaching baseball, football and wrestling. He continued coaching through their high school careers and long after with his friends Scott VanEssen and Tom Barker. He was a hero and role model for not only his own children, but for hundreds of other young men who knew him as "coach." He was considered a father by many. A "Celebration of Life" service will be held at the Casino Club at 3260 Salerno Dr. NE on Thursday, January 28th at 6:00. The family will greet guests one hour prior to the service and invite family and friends to stay for dinner to celebrate Dick's life following the service. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Whitehall District Schools in Dick's name. Funds will be used to support athletes in need. - See more at: http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?n=richard-sandee&pid=177448036#sthash.ertKv2r0.dpuf